HUMANITIES’ WEEK: BRUNEI DARUSSALAM.
Slide 1: (hadrah plays)
A: What you guys just witnessed was my friend Haffiz, playing one of Brunei’s traditional instruments, the “Hadrah”.
C: That my friends was just a taste of Brunei’s culture. Good morning to all teachers, students and beloved friends, it’s great to see you all here. It gives me great pleasure to extend to you all a very warm welcome to St. John’s Humanities’ Week.
A: My name is Aqilah and my group members are Callista, Haffiz, Zulfah and Seth. I am overwhelmingly proud to be presenting my own country, where I am born and raised, Brunei Darussalam.
Slide 2:
A: To begin with, let me tell you where Brunei is located on the map, Brunei Darussalam is a tiny sultanate in the north of the island Borneo, located on the shores of the South China Sea and is surrounded by the Malayan Federal States of Sabah & Sarawak. Brunei has 4 districts, Belait, Tutong, BSB and Temburong with BSB as its capital.
Slide 3:
A: Callista, tell them some quick facts about Brunei.
C: Alright, BSB is the capital of Brunei, its official language is Bahasa Melayu, however English is also widely-spoken. The type of government is Monarchy. Islam is Brunei’s official religion with 65% of Brunei’s population being in fact, Muslims. On 1st January 1984, Brunei gained independence from British rule and till then Brunei’s population flourished to more than 400 000, who also uses Brunei Dollar or BND as a currency.
Slide 4:
C: Because of the high value of this currency, Brunei has a wealthy economy with a per capita GDP far above other ASEAN countries. It derives most of its income from exports of oil and gas. Brunei is the 3rd largest oil producer in SEA and the 4th largest producer in the world.
Slide 5:
A: That’s right! Although Brunei has done business with other countries, its culture and tradition has not been influenced. Until now, Brunei is a nation with multi- ethnicity, rich in old traditions which are passed down from one generation to another that is unique to each group. Brunei has 7 ethnic groups, namely the Muruts, Kedayan, Dusun, Bisaya, Tutong, Belait & Brunei Muara, which make up the majority of Brunei’s population.
Slide 6:
A: In addition, Brunei costumes reflect the culture of the conservative society of Brunei. Officially Brunei is a Muslim country, hence Islam is practiced largely in Brunei. Men and women in Brunei must dress moderately, and for muslim women they must cover their body head to toe. Generally, Baju Cara Melayu is worn by Muslim men and Baju Kurung is worn by Muslim women. Elaborate designs are worn during the Hari Raya celebration, as most of you are wearing now.
Slide 7:
C: Do you know what I like about Hari Raya?
A: What’s that?
C: The Foods. The first 3 foods are widely recognized in Brunei and is served mostly during HR Festivals. Kuih Bahulu is done by baking it entirely in the oven and Kuih Seri Muka is made from rice and topped with coconut milk. Lastly, In Brunei, when asked about what food signifies Brunei the most – one would always say AMBUYAT. It is a starchy-like carb dish – made entirely from sago starch and warm water. Moving On!
A: Wait, why move on?
C: Because it’s making me hungry. Slide 8:
C: Here are some places tourists would find interesting. First & foremost, Kampong Ayer. It is a water settlement that houses 30 000 people.
A: All the buildings are built over the Brunei River, stand on stilts and connected to Boardwalks. Water taxis serve as a mean of rapid transportation for KA.
Slide 9:
A: Next, Ulu Temburong National Park, it was the first national park to be established in Brunei, protected since 1991.
C: The park contains unspoiled jungle and is known as the “Green Jewel Of Brunei”. For adventure seekers, it’s the way to go.
Slide 10:
C: Jerudong Park is an amusement park in Brunei. It is the smallest but most expensive in a way that it is entirely funded by Bruneian Government for $1 billion. It’s a family- friendly park with a number of attractions such as carousel & bumper cars.
A: Fun Fact! Did you know, 18 years ago MJ and Whitney Houston performed live for free at the Amphitheater of JP.
Slide 11:
A: Brunei has seen an extrodinary growth in tourists numbers over the past 10 years.
C: Looking by the facts, Brunei is indeed an abode of peace to its people and to others all around the world, and Good News! These numbers will definitely increase because of Wawasan 2035.
Slide 12:
C: First of all, what is Wawasan 2035?
A: Well, it is actually a long-term development plan conducted by Brunei itself. These pictures are actually bits and pieces of what’s going to come in the future.
Slide 13:
A: By 2035, we wish to see Brunei recognized everywhere for:
- the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled people.
- the quality of people.
- the dynamic, sustainable economy.
Slide 14:
A: As we work towards these aims, we will be united in:
- Our loyalty to our sultan.
- Our belief in the values of Islam.
- Our traditional tolerance & harmony